A warning for a potential "mass migration" into Florida has been issued by the Biden administration as conditions in Haiti deteriorate.
Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz said he is "deeply concerned" about a huge number of Haitian migrants that could potentially move to Florida.
It comes as Haiti becomes overrun with widespread gang violence and civil unrest.
Around 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince is now allegedly controlled by armed gangs.
A warning for a potential "mass migration" into Florida has been issued by the Biden administration as conditions in Haiti deteriorate
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On Tuesday, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation.
During the House Armed Services Committee hearing Gaetz expressed his concerns "as a Florida man."
He asked what President Joe Biden's administration was doing to prepare for a "wave" of migrants.
Department of Defense (DoD) official Rebecca Zimmerman responded: "Congressman, we're doing a number of things to ensure that we're keeping track of the situation and we're prepared.
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"At the moment, we have not yet seen large numbers—what we would characterise as a maritime mass migration."
Gaetz interrupted saying: "Do you anticipate a mass migration, though?"
"We are alert to that possibility," Zimmerman replied.
"I think you're right that the driving conditions in Haiti could very well press more people. So, we've recently approved some additional assistance that we can provide to the Coast Guard."
Around 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince is now allegedly controlled by armed gangs
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Army General Laura Richardson, commander of US Southern Command was then asked whether the government should "activate the authorities, anticipating a mass migration."
"I think that we need to be postured appropriately for that. I have put in a request for increase capability to do exactly that. And we are ready if we need to deal with a mass migration," she said.
Last week, the embassy warned US citizens to "depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges."
